Police authorities step in after officers threatened a motorist over his ethnic background
On July 24, 2026, the Ondo State Police Command arrested an Assistant Superintendent and three inspectors. The officers faced detention after a viral video showed them threatening to jail a driver on the Lagos-Benin Expressway simply for being of Igbo descent.
The Ondo State Police Command has officially detained four officers caught in a highly controversial viral video. The footage captured the policemen threatening a driver with arrest based solely on his ethnic identity.
The shocking incident happened during a routine stop-and-search operation along the busy Lagos-Benin Expressway. A video of the encounter quickly went viral and sparked massive online anger. Authorities stepped in promptly to address the growing public concern.
Police confirm identities of officers
DSP Jimoh Abayomi addressed the press in Akure on Friday, July 24, 2026. The command spokesperson named the arrested policemen and confirmed their immediate detention.
He identified the men as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Inspector Odusola Peter. State Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu quickly ordered a full probe into the matter. He wants investigators to determine the exact role each officer played.
Command rejects ethnic division
The police force strongly condemned the actions seen in the trending clip. Abayomi stressed that the agency completely rejects incivility and ethnic bias.
”The Nigeria Police Force does not tolerate misconduct,” he stated.
The spokesman added that such acts ruin public trust and embarrass the agency. He noted that officers must always respect citizen dignity. They must also operate within strict operational rules at checkpoints.
He promised Nigerians a fair and clear review process. Any officer found guilty will face heavy disciplinary actions under the law.
